" Squeaky" hinge problems !

[BBERIC]

Actually, I'm going place an order for the NR70 but before I do so can anyone tell me are there REALLY always happen to the NR70s or NR70Vs ? When its open or close the clam-shell with the squeaky sound ? Is it a good deal $390 for a NR70 (brand new)not refuburished ?
And also I have a two months old SJ30 for sale. Looks like brand new...mint, no scratches, original package.

[Tedlick]

I saw an NR70V (the one with camera) at Best Buy brand-new a couple weeks ago for $349. I think they were liquidating old inventory.

I got my NR70V from SonyStyle's clearance section for $390 ($408 w/shipping). It was refurbished, and I DID have a problem with it after 2 weeks of use, but Sony Support was fast at getting my unit fixed and back in my hands (1 week from first phone call to having the fixed unit back at my desk).

If you really don't care at all about the camera, I'm sure you'll be happy with the NR70 at that price. If you'd like to have the camera feature, I'd recommend hunting around some more, and don't be afraid to get a refurbished unit (I always buy refurbished when I have the opportunity, and the above Sony problem was the first time I didn't get a 100% as-new item).

[BBERIC]

How's the condition for the refurbished models?
Are there any scratches on everywhere especially the screen?
Or looks like the brand new models?
Last week, I called SonyStyle customer service about the refurbished models then "she" told me that you can't see the different between the brand new or the refurbished one. Is it correct?

[Tedlick]

The refubrished model I got wasn't as "brand new" as other refurbished products I've bought in the past; notably the hotsync cradle's plexiglass had some scratches on it.

The unit itself was mostly flawless, but the datebook button is a little recessed when compared to the other buttons-- the previous owner probably used that button a lot. I find it's a moot point, as I use this almost 100% in tablet mode. The button WORKS fine regardless.

The screen was completely flawless in regard to wear. There is ONE stuck pixel (always white), which I never notice except when I perform a reset, and see the black background CLIE logo.

So to sum up, my refurbished CLIE did show signs it had a previous owner. The wear & tear was consistant with what would happen with ~6 months of normal use by a user who took care of the unit. Considering I couldn't FIND a new NR at the time, and didn't want to shell out $699 for an NX, I'm very happy with the condition of my refurbished unit.

As far as support-- Sony Support took care of me just as if I had paid top dollar for this unit. No complaints there!

[jetdriver]

To amswer your questions/concerns... I have an NR - bought it the first week CompUSA got them back in May 2002. I use mine a lot, and it has a lot f miles on it - but it's still solid.

I use it almost exclusively in the tablet mode, so the swivel gets a lot of use. It had the much disussed memory stick problem - sent it to Sony...good as new. Additionally, about a month ago the hinge started to creak badly, and was difficult to open/close. I sprayed some WD40 on a piece of flat dental floss, and swiped it through each hinge...bo more problem. WD40 is not ideal, however, because it is more of a penetrating fluid, and eventually wears off too. So, I ended up using a clear silicon based gel, that one of my aviation mechanics had handy (any lube of this type is easy to find at a hardware store) and put a little bit on floss as before and worked it through. Much smoother - actually like new.

So - all it really takes is a little bit of routine maintenance to keep it running smooth.

p.s. - stay away from graphite type lube - it conducts electricity.

[yOyOYoo]

Compusa is currently offering the NX60 for $429.99

The NX series have better hindges that don't seem to have the sqeek problem of the NR series. Also the NX series seems to be built better with a better swivelling design.

Yes I know they look the same but I guess they just don't feel the same, try opening and closing and twisting the screens of the NR vs. the NX and you'll know what I mean.

[Gepper]

I don't know if this is too late, but Dell was selling brand new NR70's a few weeks ago for $459. I love mine, which I aquired in May 2002 and never had a memory stick problem. I did have squeaky hinges and solved them several months ago with 1 drop of graphite lube on each hinge. Literally, only 1 small drop. :)